A guitar that once belonged to Beatles members John Lennon and George Harrison received a valuation of up to £400,000 on BBC One's Antiques Roadshow.

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The instrument is unique in that it doesn't have any frets, making it more challenging to play than a regular guitar.

The current owner, Ray, recalled that even Beatles guitarist George Harrison couldn't get along with its unconventional design.

"You're definitely getting more out of it than I am. It's doing better for you, why don't you have it," he reportedly told Ray, who was then recording sessions for a film company that Harrison co-founded.

Little did he know that several decades later it would be worth a small fortune, with Antiques Roadshow expert Jon Baddeley giving it a staggering estimate between £300,000 and £400,000.

He explained: "To a guitar collector, it's initially a very rare guitar. Then to somebody who's a Beatles fan, to own a guitar that was once owned by both John Lennon and George Harrison, can you get a better history? Two of the most important rock stars of the 20th Century."

Nonetheless, Ray expressed no intention to sell the cherished item which he said he still plays regularly to this day.

The episode was filmed at Battle Abbey in Sussex, which was built on the site of the Battle of Hastings.

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Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One on Sundays at 8pm

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An image depicting a festive scene with iconic Christmas elements such as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with twinkling lights, snow gently falling, and perhaps a cozy fireplace in the background. The image should capture the essence of popular Christmas songs, with musical notes and lyrics subtly included in the design, representing a playlist of classic Christmas tunes.

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Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

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